Michael Pack
Role: Contributor
Position: Former CEO, U.S. Agency for Global Media; Filmmaker
Background:
Michael Pack is a prominent documentary filmmaker and was the CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) during the Trump administration. His career in filmmaking includes a focus on American history and conservative values, which influenced his approach to media and public broadcasting. At USAGM, Pack’s leadership was marked by attempts to realign the agency’s programming and management to better reflect conservative perspectives.
Relation to Trump:
Michael Pack was appointed to lead USAGM by President Trump, reflecting the administration’s strategy to exert greater influence over U.S. international broadcasting and media. Pack’s tenure involved restructuring the agency and altering its editorial direction to align more closely with Trump’s administration’s viewpoints. This included significant changes in leadership and operational focus, which were intended to promote a more conservative narrative in USAGM’s international broadcasts.
Scandals or Controversies:
Pack’s time at USAGM was fraught with controversy. His management style led to the dismissal of several senior executives, and there were widespread concerns about the politicization of the agency. These issues resulted in legal disputes and criticism from various quarters, including accusations of undermining the agency’s mission to provide unbiased international news.